Chick-fil-A expands business, launches online store to sell merchandise for the first time

Chick-fil-A is starting its newest business as it expands beyond chicken sandwiches, waffle potato fries, and salads. The fast-food chain launched its first online store to sell limited Chick-fil-A Originals collections such as shirts, mugs, hoodies, and other merchandise.

Chick-fil-A’s first collection to be sold in its newly-opened online store are perfect for the holiday season. There is also a blanket and chicken nugget pillow set as well as a plush toy, socks, clutch and tote bag to get for personal use, for collection, or to be given as gifts.

As per CNN Business, the items at the restaurant’s first-ever online store pay homage to customers’ favorite merchandise. The products were also given quirky names, such as the “I Heart Waffle Fries” hoodie and the “Chicken for Breakfast” hat.

Fans and customers can buy these goods for prices ranging from $15 to $75. It was reported that Chick-fil-A decided to offer them low price tags to sell out quickly as the brand already has plans to release more items next year.

It was noted that while the chicken sandwich chain has been selling its sauces at the leading grocery stores in the country, this is really the first time it is selling branded clothing and gifts.

The expansion beyond food has become a common move among restaurant brands as it is one way for them to widen their product offerings while having another source of profits as well. This is also a method for creating buzz to excite customers and get them to come to the stores.

Restaurant News reported that Kate Neyhart, Chick-fil-A’s brand strategy chief, said that customers have been asking for merchandise for a long time. Thus, the items on the brand’s online store are considered the answer to their requests.

“It is truly a ‘thank you’ to them with both a collection and an online shopping experience we think they will love,” she said in a statement. “A premium e-commerce experience is something we have been exploring for several years but we wanted to take our time and be intentional about the collections we were designing and how we wanted to bring them to market.”

She added, “This initial collection is inspired by the little things that make Chick-fil-A original and is meant to be a fun celebration of that originality.”